Vinyl & listening gear

Guides for playing and looking after a record collection, written for people who care more about the music than the equipment. We start with what has to be compatible, then budget and space.

Every guide here explains who each option suits and what it gives up. We haven’t lab-tested these products; recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications, compatibility and current availability. Some links go to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

Start here if you’re new to records

Buying guideBeginner’s vinyl setupWhat a first record setup needs, how the parts connect, and three compatible combinations with their trade-offs.

What does your setup need?

A turntable produces a very quiet “phono” signal that needs a phono preamp before any amplifier or powered speaker can use it. That preamp can live in the turntable, in the speakers or receiver, or in a small box between them. You need exactly one.

Where the phono preamp goes
Turntable	Speakers or amp have	What you need
Built-in preamp	Line/AUX input only	Nothing extra. Set the turntable switch to LINE.
Built-in preamp	A PHONO input	Nothing extra. Use one preamp only: turntable set to PHONO into the PHONO input, or LINE into a line input.
No built-in preamp	A PHONO input	Nothing extra. Connect the ground wire if there is one.
No built-in preamp	Line/AUX input only	An external phono preamp between the two.
Any	Passive speakers, no amp	An amplifier or receiver (ideally with PHONO), or switch to powered speakers.

Buying guides

Buying guideHow to choose a turntablePreamp or not, automatic or manual, belt or direct drive: the decisions that matter, and four turntables that fit different buyers. Buying guidePowered speakers for a small listening roomPhono or line input, size versus bass, placement, and three compatible picks for bedrooms, desks and apartments. Buying guideRecord cleaning and storage essentialsThe few things records actually need (brush, wet clean for used finds, stylus care, sleeves and upright storage) and what to skip. Buying guideVinyl vs. CD vs. streaming for classic albumsThe honest trade-offs in sound, cost, editions and convenience, and which format suits which era.

Something to play on it

Once the gear is sorted, the fun part is the records. The Start Here guide suggests ten albums across four decades, and our 70s funk starter list is a good first crate for anyone buying used.